The Effects of Highways on Guanaco Movement in Patagonia

Abstract

Animal movement is integral for the transportation of nutrients, plant productivity, and other ecosystem functions. Anthropogenic disturbances such as urban developments and energy production greatly affect animals’ daily movements, migration patterns, and access to necessary resources. As human populations grow, it is important to analyze and identify how barriers, such as roads, will affect animal movements. There is a great deal of variation on wildlife response to roads and ungulates are some of the more affected species. While there has been considerable research about the impacts of roads on ungulates throughout North America and Europe, there has been comparatively little research how roads impact South American wildlife. Here, I examine how roads affect guanaco (Lama guanicoe) movement in Monte León National Park (MLNP). I analyzed guanacos’ crossing behaviors, using GPS data, with three roads in the park. Guanacos were much less likely to cross roadways with higher traffic volumes. My findings have important implications for management and conservation of guanacos, given that roads are a non-permeable barrier to guanaco’s movement. As we continue to create new conservation tracts it is important to assess how current roads will affect guanacos’ habitat usage.

Differences in Road Crossings by Road Type

Sex

Time of Day

Season

Note: Guanaco data spans from October 2019 through November 2021.